OUR TEAM

The Heart Behind Our Mission:
Meet The NSD Team

The team at National Service Dogs isn't just a collection of individuals – it's the heart of our mission. Each member plays an important role in building the life-changing partnerships between Service Dogs and those in need.

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An Innovative Group Of Experts

Board Of Directors

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Alison Archambault

President

Since 2010, Alison has brought a wealth of experience to NSD in non-profit corporate governance, communications, marketing, and business development. As Director, Brand & Engagement for the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, her portfolio also includes branding and media relations. Alison volunteers as a firefighter/FMR with Redwood Meadows Emergency Services and holds certification in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) in Individual and Group Crisis Intervention.

Colin Merrick

Vice President

Colin has over 40 years of business experience in developing corporate strategy and company culture, and over 15 years of not for profit board experience having served as both a Director and Board Chair. With a deep background in Human Resources, he has led a variety of functional teams. Prior to joining his team at Newalta, he held multiple executive positions, and is a Business Administration graduate from Mount Royal University. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from the Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara, California. He is a strong believer in giving back to the community.

Breanna Roycroft

Secretary & Past President

Since 2018, Breanna brings her extensive experience in the not-for-profit and healthcare industries. She leverages her government experience after spending time working in Ottawa on Parliament Hill. She received her Master’s degree from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs in 2010 and has since done work on the research and development of the Human Rights Report for India. She also helped develop the corporate engagement and grants department with the WE Charity group.

Graham Hunt

Treasurer

After previously serving as Treasurer on the Board from 2012–2017, Graham rejoined in 2022. He brings significant experience in the areas of business and finance from over 20 years as a professional accountant in a number of industries including transportation, retail and logistics. Graham’s previous Board experience includes the Clarington Minor Hockey Association, Royal St. George’s College Alumni Association, and the Acadia Alumni Association.

Adam Saperia

Director

Joining the Board of Directors in 2016, Adam brings years of experience in helping small organizations quickly grow. After receiving his MBA from the Schulich School of Business, Adam has spent the past decade in senior management roles in the healthcare field, serving diverse patient groups with unique needs. He has previously organized fundraisers for NSD raising over $40,000, and supports a grassroots charity working with young adults with developmental disabilities.

Leif Erickson

Director

Leif has been fundraising and volunteering with NSD since 2012 and officially joined the board of directors in 2022. Leif brings with him extensive finance and banking experience, having worked in multiple lines of business in both Vancouver & Toronto with the Bank of Montreal. A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, Leif resides in Waterloo where he works as an Investment Advisor with BMO Private Wealth. In addition to serving on the board of NSD, he also serves on the board for the Waterloo chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. In his free time, you can expect to find him spending time with his young family and with his NSD VIP, Cello.

Nicole King

Director

Bringing her experience in HR consulting and executive recruitment, Nicole joined the Board in 2023. She has extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector and currently acts on the executive talent acquisition team at lululemon. She has received her MBA from the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business. Nicole was previously a volunteer snowboard instructor with the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS), and a foster dog parent with Endless Pawsibilities Rescue Society until she foster failed with her husky mix, Flanders.

Joe Dalton

Director

Joe joined the Board of Directors in 2024. Born and raised in Waterloo Region, he received his undergraduate degree from The University of Western Ontario before spending his next 17 years in the commercial property casualty insurance business, the last 9 of which he has been co-principal of a Waterloo brokerage. As a past President of the Insurance Brokers Association of Waterloo Region, as well as Finance and Resource Development committee member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region, he brings his experience to NSD with a focus on governance, culture and risk management. He also has two dogs, Chance and Wrigley.

Lisa Callaghan

Director

Prior to her extensive professional experience in the insurance industry, Lisa worked in defense manufacturing, supporting a global executive team creating business strategies and organizational redesign. She is now the CEO, Auto Sector Retiree Health Care Trust, and holds undergraduate degrees in Science and Physical Education from Queen’s University, an MSc in Biomechanics from the University of Waterloo, and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University. She holds her ICD.D designation from the institute of Corporate Directors-Rotman Education Program, is a certified change management practitioner, and sits on the Advisory Board of PMG Intelligence. As a lifelong Labrador retriever owner, our mission closely aligns to her personal values.

Mike Kellner

Director

Mike has a proven track record of driving innovation and enhancing organizational efficiency, bringing over 20 years of experience leading and developing high-performing analytical, data-driven teams. He holds both an MBA and a Master's in Data Science, which have equipped him with a unique blend of leadership, strategic insight, and technical expertise. Committed to making an impact, Mike is able to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, storytell, and negotiate, enabling him to advance the mission of organizations dedicated to positive social change. Mike is passionate about applying his expertise to support nonprofits and foster lasting community engagement.

Dr. Jackie Bowcott

Special Advisor

In her role as Special Advisor to NSD’s Board of Directors, Dr. Bowcott brings a portfolio of education centred around veterinary medicine. A certified DVM and owner of a small animal practice in Oxford County, Dr. Bowcott contributes her expertise to numerous animal welfare agencies including several humane societies, and Friends of the Orphans Canada. Dr. Jackie and her husband live in rural Ontario with their children and menagerie of animals including dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and chickens.

Meet Our Passionate And Talented Staff

NSD Team

Dani guides NSD to fulfill its mission. As an NSD founder with a background in service dog training, Dani brings a deep, diverse scope of experience to NSD. Outside of work, she enjoys family time and trail walks with her friends and dogs.

Danielle Forbes

Executive Director

Rochelle brings her experience in Organizational Development, Social Services, and Communications to NSD. She loves connecting, sharing stories, and pursues her passion for photography by capturing NSD’s lovely dogs.

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Rochelle Barber

Director of Operations

Currently on maternity leave. Caitlin, with years of experience in the Service Dog industry, leads the breeding and puppy program at NSD, emphasizing teamwork between the dogs and volunteers. She is dedicated to ensuring a positive training experience.

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Caitlin Bonaldo

Assistant Director of Canine Development

Currently on maternity leave. Rachel has expertise in child development and trauma extending to provincial and national training sessions. With a Masters of Social Work, she is passionate about utilizing accredited Service Dogs in trauma and victim response.

Rachel Braden

Social Worker, Client Services

Amy’s experience in youth mental health allows her to understand the value of the unique support Service Dogs offer. With a Master's in Social Work, she supports the participants in NSD programs and likes to think outside the box.

Amy Moore

Social Worker, Client Services

Ashley joins NSD with years of experience working with shelter dogs and training therapy horses on her farm. With a lifelong passion for animals, she shares her life with a Black Lab named Hank and two competitive horses, Herc and Apollo.

Ashley Hedge 

Training Coordinator and Instructor

Currently on maternity leave. Mandy has completed a training apprenticeship, and has been a puppy raiser since 2018. She gets excited to connect with clients during team training, and has a vast knowledge of grooming and a passion for dogs.

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Mandy Langerak

Trainer

Nicki brings years of diverse dog industry experience, including pet and police dog training, and managing boarding services. Committed to learning and certification, she enjoys training her own dog, Ashes, and competing in dog sports.

Nicki Abid

Trainer

Emma brings a business and hospitality background, and loves sharing her passion and connecting with fellow volunteers. Inspired by seeing service dogs in training, she became a puppy raiser in 2019 and fell in love with NSD's community.

Emma Speller

Puppy Program Instructor

Sean has two decades of management, sales, and customer service experience, and is now pursuing his passion for dogs. He supports mental health conversations and enjoys cooking, hiking, camping, and road trips with his dog, Fergus.

Sean Jenkins

Puppy Program Instructor

Rachel has 6 years of service dog industry experience, including fostering, raising, whelping, neonatal care, puppy training, and veterinary care. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her pet Molson (Moe) and relaxing at the cottage.

Rachel Gallant

Breeding and Animal Health Manager

Tara joined NSD as a puppy raiser, breeder caretaker, and whelping home volunteer. She cherishes the culture and community, and remains the breeder caretaker for NSD Hazel and NSD Penelope, eagerly anticipating more puppies in the future!

Tara Kirkby

Whelping and Animal Health Assistant

Paula started her career with exotic animals before transitioning to work in the service dog industry, wanting to learn more about dog training and health. Outside of work, she enjoys camping and hiking with her dog Wren.

Paula Zimmermann

Canine Development & Operations Assistant

Lynne brings over 10 years of nonprofit experience to NSD, specializing in volunteer management, public relations, fundraising, and Deafblind intervention. Outside of work, she enjoys live music, movies, travel, and time with loved ones.

Lynne Davidson

Fund Development Specialist

Cindy comes to NSD with 15+ years of experience in the hospitality business, managing many large-scale events in the premium areas throughout North America. She loves the service dog community and making a difference.

Cindy Webb

Event Coordinator

Meghan has over a decade of experience in Human Resources. As a longtime volunteer, she has shifted to supporting volunteers full-time. Meghan enjoys being outside and spending time with her family and black lab cross pup, Jake.

Meghan Kraehling

Volunteer Coordinator

Margie has been NSD's Bookkeeper since 2001, managing finances, payroll, and tax receipts. She adores both the dedicated pups and staff. In her free time, Margie enjoys scrapbooking, spending time with her family, and making others smile!

Margie Rolston

Bookkeeper

Open Doors:
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Each of our dogs is provided to those in need, free of charge. Help support our mission by donating today.

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